death rattle ?

[jmoracco]

hello everyone.. i just installed a junkyard motor in my 98 explorer. i did everything except check the timing chain and of course i got her runnin and she makes the wounderful music of a chain slapping around, lawlessly. noise is coming from front of motor and i opened oil cap while running and left side chain looked good, so does anyone know the odds of the noise just coming from the primary chain? if there is a good chance somene thinks its just the primary, that would be nice but then again im a realist. oh and it only makes the rattle noise at idle cold and hot. thanks in advance to everyone!

 

[2000StreetRod]

Primary chain tensioner

The original primary chain tensioner is a leaf spring design with only 3 leaves. The new "improved" one has 6 leaves and a much wider base. The primary sprockets and chain last much longer than the tensioner.

If you're going to remove the front timing cover I suggest that you also remove the left valve cover and inspect the guide assembly. Otherwise, if you have to replace the left guide assembly you'll have to remove the front timing cover again.

If you only have to replace the primary tensioner your cost for the Ford parts from Tousley Ford would be about $41 plus shipping - tensioner: $28, timing cover gasket: $9, and dampener bolt: $4. See the following post for current part numbers: Requirements for accurate timing